Flashpoints In Europe Flashcards
What was the Berlin blockade
Closure of all transport links into West Berlin due to “technical difficulties” by order of Stalin.
What were the causes of the Berlin blockade
USSR wanted Germany to remain weak to prevent any future invasions where as the western countries wanted Germany to recover believing an economically strong Germany would stop the spread of communism. The British, French and USA zones also amalgamated while also making a new currency, breaking the promise to hold talks with Russia for big decisions in Germany.
Stalin also feared people would resent living in east Germany as they saw economic prosperity in west Germany
What was the Berlin airlift
The western powers response to the Berlin blockade. Flew in supplies for 2 million people daily
13,000 tonnes of supplies were flown in each day.
This blockade lasted 324 days
What were the consequences of the Berlin blockade and airlift
Tensions between the superpowers increased
April 1949 12 western nation established NATO (North Atlantic Treaty organisation)
Soviets establish Warsaw pact in response to NATO
Federal Republic of Germany (west) and The German Democratic Republic (east) were formed
What were the causes of the Hungarian uprising of 1956
Poverty- poor country, most of its goods were shipped to Russia
Oppression- stanlanistic style of government had censorship and a viscous secret police and control of education. After Stalin’s death many believe they could break free from this
Nationalism- they were very nationalistic and hated soviet control
Promises from west- believed USA would help them, John. F. Dallas (secretary of state) “to all those suffering under communist slavery, let us say: you can count on us”
What were the main events leading up to the Hungarian uprising
July 1956 Rakoski (leader of Hungary) forced to resign
October, new leader Imre Nagy had been appointed prime minister. Moscow felt this change would keep the hooligans happy.
What were Nagy’s reforms
Allowed political parties to reform
Free elections
Impartial courts
Freedom of movement
Lifted some censorship
Announced on the 31st October that Hungary would withdraw itself from Warsaw pact, this was the final straw for the soviets
What was the final straw for the soviets in Hungary
The announcement that they would leave the Warsaw pact cashed the soviets to invade Hungary. On the 4th of November Kruschev ordered 5 divisions and 6000 tanks to enter Budapest. The red army enters as brief war ensues.
What were the consequences of the Hungarian uprising
30,000 Hungarians and 7000 Soviets killed
10 days of brutal fighting
180,000-200,000 fled to the west leaving everything in Hungary
People living in communist regimes realised they could not rely on west for help. -MAD(mutually assured destruction)
Soviets realised they could not carry out liberal policies and maintain security.
Why did Khrushchev decide to build the wall
3 million people leaving east Berlin to live in the west which was a major coup for the west as these people were leaving the communist system.
Among these 3 million were young highly qualified men who were little use to the west but were needed in the east (brain drain)
August 12th 1969 4,000 people went to Berlin to flee to the west to start a new life
When did the wall go up
August 13th 1961 workers from east Germany and Russia shut off border between the soviet and western areas using barbed wire and sealing crossing points. Weeks later this was replaced with bricks and had a kill zone in between.
What was the response of the US to the wall
Only offered words not actions due to fear of atomic bomb. Actually relieved as it meant Russia did not want war
What were the causes of Prague spring 1968
Dubcek wanted to reform Czechoslovakia, including freedom of the press, less centralised economic control and a reduction in the power of the secret police, however to keep Moscow happy he announced publicly that they would not leave the Warsaw pact. This led to an invasion from the Warsaw pact armies in response to an apparent letter from Czech communists asking for help
What was ussr reaction to reforms in Czechoslovakia?
Held military exercises for East German, Polish, Hungarian and soviet soldiers close to the border. Held a meeting on August 3rd with Warsaw pact to discuss Czechoslovakia situation. 400,00l troops then sent to Czechoslovakia.
What was USA reaction to invasion of Prague
Only offered words of sympathy due to fear of atomic bomb. Also keen not to damage recent improvement in relations called détente
